Oh, Be Nice! How You Can Contribute to World Peace

I’m a lover. I love to love on people. I love finding the lovable aspects of people. It makes me feel good and it makes others feel good. It does, however, make me an official CORNBALL! I’m okay with this. I don’t just walk around doling out loving comments to every person, every day. That would be weird. But if I see something worth mentioning I will. I do this so the recipient knows I was lucky enough to see something great about them. All this “goodness” must benefit the world somehow, right?

There’s even scientific research to support this. In an interview with Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project”, Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky from the University of California stated, “Research shows that there are many simple activities that reliably make people happier. My favorite is doing acts of kindness. We have found that almost any types of acts of kindness boost happiness. The recipients of kindness “paid the kind acts forward” and even acquaintances of the givers became happier and were inspired to act more generously themselves.” Hot damn!

Furthermore, regarding her research on happiness, Professor Lyubomirsky said, “A review of all the available literature has revealed that happiness does indeed have numerous positive byproducts, which appear to benefit not only individuals, but families, communities, and the society at large (Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005).” So you can contribute to world peace?? Yep, you sure can.

It’s worth mentioning that I compliment free of charge. If I were to give them only to have them reciprocated then it’s an exchange. Like an emotional transaction. I’d be sitting around waiting for you to pay up. Emotional prostitution? Yuck!

There is also something thrilling (and scary) about complimenting an unsuspecting person. There’s that moment when I wonder if the person is going to completely ignore me, accept it ungraciously (hate that!) or speed walk away clutching their child’s hand. More often, however, I get non-verbal communication which I’ll translate for you here: “Are you talking to me?”…”Ummm, where’s this going”…”Really?”…”Do you think so?”…”Wow”…”Thanks”. It can completely shift a person’s thoughts from skeptical to “damn right!”

Underdogs hold a special place in my heart! That person with absolutely ZERO fashion sense who is always the most pleasant to everyone? Yep, she’s mine! The “Bitch” who appears unapproachable, but is actually terribly insecure? Mine too! That Parent who is clearly on their last nerve, but is showing Superhero-strength in patience? Them too!! I adore the cocky professional who talks a good game but actually is all show, or the mom who hasn’t quite lost the last 15 pounds from her pregnancy…twelve years ago.

Bottom line is I try to be transparent and honest and I will do that at risk of being rejected. But in the end, it’s worth it. So often, the self-talk in our heads isn’t very nice. We are hyper-critical of ourselves. But when someone, with no apparent motive, gives a sincere compliment, doesn’t that feel good? Don’t you walk a little taller, feel a little prouder when someone recognizes something beautiful about you? Or when they think of you, and tell you, just because? I think so.

So, I write about this for two reasons.

#1 – Consider yourself warned

#2 – Is this something you could do more fearlessly?

Think about it. It’s easy, it’s free, it’s fun! Give for the sake of giving. Love for the sake of loving. And in case you’re wondering…I think you wear those extra pounds rather nicely…more to love! 🙂

Thanks for reading and won’t you share ANY thoughts you have on this topic? <3

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When the heart has a friend like you, the universe cannot contain their peasure. Rumi

So many opportunities adorn our lives ever day. Opportunities to make someones day, brighten a smile, light up their lives…
It doesn’t take much. We human beings are grateful for acts of kindness. We appreciate a simple thank you! What an opportunity this really is… Turn the crabby into sunshine… with a simple smile… I dare you… I double dare you… and have fun in the mean time… 🙂

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Hello, I’m April!

April is a Personal Development Coach. She is a certified Strategic Interventionist, trained Financial Coach and skilled Workshop Designer and Facilitator. She helps growth-minded, life-long learners identify opportunities for reaching their highest potential. She works with clients to create fail-proof strategies using her own unique system. She strives to empower others to live a fulfilling, authentic life both personally and professionally.